The Future of Online Education

Sitting in a physical classroom to earn a qualification or learn a new skill is no longer the only educational setting for today’s students thanks to the availability of online education. According to the World Economic Forum, the e-learning market was worth $166.5 billion in 2015, and that number is only expected to grow. But why are students so drawn to online classes? Let’s take a look at why this type of education is so popular:

Effective learning methods

In a traditional classroom, students often learn through taking notes or highlighting parts of a textbook. Online classes are more likely to feature interactive methods of learning, which can be a big plus for some students. For example, multimedia tools involving sensory cues such as live videos and infographics have been scientifically proven to improve memory, according to a story in U.S. News & World Report.

Variety of courses

You can learn just about everything through an online education program, from certificates to four-year bachelor and master’s degrees. Just because students don’t attend class in brick-and-mortar establishments doesn’t mean they are limited by what they can learn.

Increased flexibility

Online education courses can help students maintain their busy schedules. Students can schedule classes around work or family commitments without consequence. They can select the time of day when they feel they learn best, whether that’s early in the morning, late at night or while commuting to work. Online classes also provide those who are working full-time with the opportunity to advance in their existing career or change fields entirely.

Lower cost

Online classes allow a student to cut costs when compared to a traditional four-year college or university because there is no need to stay on – or travel to – the campus. Business Insider reports that on average, online education is 70 percent to 87 percent cheaper than traditional schooling. According to the Learning House, tuition and fees was one of the most important factors for students enrolling in online education, followed closely by overall reputation as an online institution.

Offers technical skills

When taking online classes, you learn how to navigate the internet, conduct research, use online tools and more. These digital skills aren’t just helping you progress in your online education; they are talents that are going to be essential in your career moving forward.

Interested in earning an online degree? Learn more here.

Jason Morgan is the Campus President at the Herzing University - Minneapolis campus. Earlier in his career, Mr. Morgan held executive positions for various Fortune and Global 500 staffing organizations. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing from Stephen F. Austin State University and a Master’s in Education with specialization in curriculum and instruction from Concordia University in Portland, Oregon.